Get Out & Vote

Did you remember that there is an election on June 5th? Of course you did. It’s difficult to miss. We are inundated with ugly signs on every street corner, ambushed by popups on Facebook, and bemused by the mailers that arrive daily. Why do the candidates have to bombard us with reminders about who they are? Are we really that negligent about showing up to vote? If we do vote, have we done our homework? Do we understand the issues, what each candidate stands for, and why we need to vote?

Unfortunately, too many of us take the privilege of voting for granted. Very few people actually vote, and most times the outcome only reflects the candidate or issue that mobilized the most voters. In the 2016 elections, only 58% of registered voters actually went to the polls. We are so fortunate to live in the United States of America, a republic where every citizen is entitled to vote. People fight for this right across the world.

I encourage you to take your children with you to vote on June 5th. In fact, before you go to the polls, discuss the candidates and issues together as a family. This will probably open up a conversation about values and character. It may present a wonderful opportunity to learn about representative democracy and freedom. Taking your children to the polls models civic responsibility and the importance of voting. I firmly believe that education transcends school. Here is a prime learning opportunity and I strongly encourage you to take advantage of it.
Sue Penn is a contributing writer to Jlife Magazine.